Two running for Cheviot treasurer position

Sep. 20, 2013

Written by

Goedl

Pahls

CHEVIOT — City Treasurer Charlie Norman has decided not to seek re-election, resulting in a two-man race to fill the seat.

Cheviot residents David Goedl and Joseph Pahls are campaigning to be elected Tuesday, Nov. 5, to a four-year term as the city’s treasurer.

Goedl is running on the Democratic ticket and Pahls is the Republican candidate.

A locomotive engineer for Norfolk Southern railroad, Goedl, 67, has never held a political office, but his wife, Kathy, served Cheviot for 20 years as a councilwoman and clerk of council.

“I’ve been involved with the city through the Cheviot Firemen’s Association and the American Legion Post 425,” he said.

“We’ve lived here since 1976 and I see this as a way to give back. I appreciate our city and the benefits we have living in Cheviot.”

Goedl said in a time when many municipalities are facing tight budgets, the treasurer’s job is to maintain a close eye on the books.

“I think the job is important and it should be done right,” he said. “I’m a fiscal conservative. I’m going to watch where the money goes and speak out if I think it’s being misspent.”

The staff in the city’s treasurer’s office work hard and care about the city, and Goedl said he’ll make sure the office continues running efficiently.

“I know I can do the job, and I can do it well,” he said. “I’ll fulfill all the requirements of the treasurer position.”

Pahls, 48, is a certified public accountant and lifelong West Sider. He’s lived in Cheviot for close to 20 years, is a member of the Cheviot Westwood Community Association and his accounting office is just down the street from City Hall.

“I think I have the qualifications to do an outstanding job,” he said.

“I have 23 years experience as an accountant, and I think I’m the most qualified candidate.”

He said he would run the treasurer’s office professionally and with integrity.

While the treasurer’s main responsibility is to keep track of income and expenses, and properly report the figures to city officials, Pahls said it’s also important to work to help the city fill its empty storefronts with new businesses.

“If we could get some economic vitality here and attract some new businesses, I think that would benefit the city and everyone who lives here,” he said.

He said his experience has prepared him well to serve the city, and he’s honored to have the opportunity to run for treasurer.